LA VIRGEN DE LOS REYES ADORNED FOR THE SEASON OF LENT

At noon today, Monday, the Hermanas de la Cruz changed the clothing of the Virgen de los Reyes for the commencement of the Lenten season. The image now wears the mantle donated by the Asociación de Fieles de la Virgen de los Reyes y San Fernando with a lace skirt from the 19th century and a chest piece of amethysts.

The traditional color of Lent is purple, also known as penitence purple, and is associated with the forty days of reflection, penitence, and spiritual conversion during this season.

The references heretofore documented about the use of a purple mantle date back to the 19th century, although it is logical to think that its use in Lent, in the case of the Virgen de los Reyes, go back much further.

Although the season lasts from Ash Wednesday to Holy Wednesday, la Virgen remains in the same purple attire during Holy Week, during with the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ are commemorated.